Wire Fox Terrier

Breed Profile

The Wire Fox Terrier has been around since at least the middle of the 18th century and was created by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier with the Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier. Like the Smooth, the Wire was used as a hunting dog to locate foxes, kill vermin and hunt rabbits. Although still used as hunting dogs today, they are more commonly seen as companions.

He is friendly, devoted and affectionate with a very active personalty, always ready to play or go for a romp. He is also good with children and his alert nature makes him a good watchdog. Always full of energy, he does need plenty of exercise and does very well in such sports and activities as Agility and Flyball.

His coat is hard and wiry in texture and should be mostly white with black, tan or ginger markings.

Health Issues

The Wire Fox Terrier is a healthy breed and does not suffer from many of the health problems found in other breeds. However, if you are considering the adoption of a Wire Fox Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Additional Information

Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.